According to the CDC, Lyme Disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. It is transmitted through the bite of the blacklegged tick.
The presence of the Blacklegged tick in Michigan is growing. In fact, based on 2021 data, 77 of Michigan’s 83 counties have a known risk for Lyme disease, or potential risk for Lyme disease.
Macomb County is considered to have a known risk for Lyme disease due to the historical surveillance data that shows the presence of Blacklegged ticks that have tested positive for Lyme bacteria.
Although ticks are thought of as insects, they are in fact arachnids similar to spiders, mites and scorpions. All adult ticks have eight legs and have no antennae. Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of their host, which can be an animal or a human.
Ticks are efficient carriers of disease because they attach firmly when sucking blood, feed slowly and can go unnoticed for a considerable time. It can take ticks several days to complete feeding. Ticks have four distinct life stages: Egg, six-legged larvae, eight-legged nymph and adult. Females deposit 3,000-6,000 eggs on the ground.
If you spend time outdoors walking trails or have pets that play in your yard or walk with you, then you are probably aware of the growing tick population in Michigan. From creating green spaces, hiking trails and natural habitat landscaping, ticks are becoming a growing concern.
Ticks are vectors (carriers and transmitters) of numerous diseases. After becoming infected from the blood of an infected animal, the virus and diseases are passed on to whatever host the tick attaches to.
There are several species of ticks found in Michigan.
American Dog tick
They are the most common tick found in Michigan. They are active from late spring (May) through late fall (November). This species readily bites dogs and humans. They are vectors of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. They are large ticks with distinguishing ornate scutum. Females lay 4,000-6,500 eggs. The unfed larvae can live up to 540 days without food.
Adult American Dog ticks can live up to 2 years without food.
Blacklegged tick
The blacklegged tick has emerged as a serious health concern in Michigan. It is the vector of Lyme disease, granulocytic anaplasmosis, symptoms include (fever, headache, chills and muscle aches) as well as babesiosis (parasites that infect red blood cells). It can be found in low vegetation and trails that are frequented by small mammals and white-tailed deer.
Females layup to 2,000 eggs.
Lone Star tick
This tick is becoming more prevalent in Michigan. It is easily identified by its distinctive “Lone Star” marking. It will readily bite people and dogs. It is a vector for monocytic ehrlichiosis (bacterium that develops within white blood cells) and tularemia (all forms are accompanied by fever, skin ulcer with regional swelling of lymph glands). This tick can be found in wooded areas with populations of white-tailed deer.
Lone Star ticks are present throughout the year, but populations peak from March to July.
Woodchuck tick
This tick is common in Michigan and will bite dogs and humans. Often found near the dens of skunks and woodchucks in wooded areas. They are a vector of Powassan encephalitis. Although rare, this virus causes fever and headache. Vomiting and weakness.
Tick Management
Our comprehensive approach to reducing tick populations in and around client properties has proven to be very effective.
In addition to the treatment, we will provide a Preventative Checklist. This checklist includes practical tips homeowners can utilize to reduce the opportunity for future tick infestations.
It is recommended that infested yards be treated three times throughout the year. The first application is done in mid-May, the second in mid-June and the final application in October.
Ticks are most often found in larger suburban lots such as those found in through MACOMB COUNTY’. Neighborhoods in ‘SHELBY TWP’, ‘WASHINGTON TWP’, ‘ROMEO’ AND ‘MACOMB TWP’. are particularly susceptible to tick infestations.
Be aware that not all ‘TICK CONTROL’ is the same. Here at ‘ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PEST CONTROL’, we only use the top tier of EPA registered products to insure the most effective treatments while protecting the environment.
Combing Insect Growth Regulators (IGR) to kill nymphs combined with proven adulticides, our ‘TICK CONTROL’ management programs have set the standard in ‘MACOMB COUNTY’.
As demand for our ‘TICK CONTROL’ treatments have grown over the years, we recommend you call early to reserve your treatment dates. This will insure we are able to maximize the effectiveness of your treatment plan as well as providing you peace of mind knowing your family and pets are protected.
To schedule an appointment, call Michelle at (586) 731-2120
